Skip to main content

Some of the Journey

Here I am getting ready to go to a gala for my new job. This was about a week into November 2011. I had no idea the journey I was about to embark on.
My wonderful friend Erin came down to visit me and spend some time. It was wonderful to have her here! We had no idea the news I would hear less then 2 weeks later.
I decided to cut my long hair before chemo so that it would not be as traumatic losing my hair. It was still extremely difficult, but at least I know I will have a cute little pixie option when my hair returns.
The first day of chemotherapy. I had intensive treatments, 4 months, every 2 weeks, for 5 hours each time. I always was trying to keep the smile and imagine the poison they were pumping right into my heart as being what could save me life.
During my final day of chemotherapy. I had made it this far! Next leg of my journey would be radiation treatment.
Here I am with my radiation team on the final day, August 22, 2012. I was with these ladies every day for 7 weeks. They really took good care of me through their leg of my journey.
Still a long road ahead, but I am keeping calm and carrying on. Thank you for all of the love, support, and prayers on my behalf. I could not have made it this far without the support of countless others, or my amazing medical team at Virginia Hospital Center.

Comments

  1. Julie MackSeptember 5, 2012 at 10:29 AM

    You look beautiful! And I'm so proud of you :-) love you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Jones FamilySeptember 5, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    I've having issues commenting on blogs these days, I tried posting before, but it didn't stick-hope this works. I am so glad you decided to share your journey with us because it really does inspire me to always get checked out. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pixie cut on you!!! You are so beautiful with you radiating smile!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Missy @ Chateau Chic BoutiqueSeptember 6, 2012 at 5:26 PM

    I love you my dear, brave friend. I truly admire the woman you are. Keep on girlie! You are beautiful.

    Big ol' bessings,
    Mis

    ReplyDelete
  4. sonya dSeptember 6, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    Yes! You made it!! hang in there, Z!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Yay for Juicing

Many of you know that I packed on about 25 pounds of pudge during my cancer treatment last year. It was so discouraging as I had already worked so hard to lose about 70 pounds. Stinkin' cancer. Not enough to threaten my life, gotta pack on the pudge too?! When I was home with my family over Christmas my Dear Friend told me about this movie on netflix, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead." I can't tell you how much the title resonated with me. The movie touts the benefits of juicing, (not to be confused with steroid use...haha), vegetable juicing. I figured it would be a good idea to try it. I had juiced veggies during chemotherapy at the suggestion of someone who beat Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer....but honestly, could not stomach the thought of it for awhile after chemo. Fast forward 2 months since I started my "Reboot" and I am down a glorious 25 pounds. First of all, I feel like I have found my secret weapon. Second of all, yes! 25 pounds! Woot woot!
4 comments
Read more

Zaneta M. Gileno, MSW

There were days that flew by and days I thought would never make it.  In the end, I earned a Master of Science degree in Social Work from Columbia University.   What a journey!!   This is some of the Advanced Standing Class of 2009.  One year, one purpose!!  We did it, guys!   My friend Carlene came from California to celebrate with me.  (My friend David and his girlfriend Audra also came but we forgot to take pics).  Thanks for coming, you guys!  What a special day.  Me and Carlene after the ceremonies were over. Me in front of my lady.  I just love her! One of my favorite missionary companions sent me a wonderful package from Hawaii.  It was filled with sweets and this lovely lei. Thank you, Chimge.  I love you! I never would have made it without my Heavenly Father.  I stopped to give thanks in the chapel on campus and Carlene snapped this special picture of me.  I am posting it as thanks to Heavenly Father and to all of you who prayed on my behalf.  Thank you so much!! We had two Co
3 comments
Read more

A Time To Reflect

It is hard to believe that just 2 years ago I came to nyc to study at Columbia. Here I am over looking the City. I was so excited, so nervous, so happy, even a little sad to have left my family and friends in California....so many things. Then 10 short months later....I was graduating from Columbia! Now I have been out of Graduate school for a year now and working in foster care.....getting my bootie kicked by foster care....and I'm still excited, nervous, happy and even sometimes sad. At milestones we tend to reflect and evaluate, which is what I have been doing a lot of lately. I have considered returning to school for a Psy. D. I have thought about moving home and working at a hospital in Pediatric Oncology. I have even considered (dare I saw) sticking with this foster care thing a little while longer. I know I will find the path that is right for me.....but for now I am just so happy that many of my dreams came true in the last 2 years. What a blessing!!
3 comments
Read more